Afc Statutes 20100709

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    1/50

    1

    STATUTES OF THE ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION

    DEFINITIONS

    In interpreting these Statutes, Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes and StandingOrders of the Congress:

    1. Confederation or AFC means the Asian Football Confederation.2. FIFA means the Federation Internationale de Football Association.3. Member Association means a National Association which is a member of the AFC.4. National Association means the controlling body for football within a country or

    territory.

    5. Congress means the supreme and legislative body of the AFC.6. Executive Committee means the Executive body of the AFC.7. Committee means any Committee of the AFC as constituted in accordance with the

    Statutes.

    8. Officials means all office bearers and members of various Committees, managers,coaches, trainers, match officials, medical officials, staff and any other person responsible

    for technical,medical and administrative matters in the AFC, National Associations,

    Leagues or Clubs.

    9. Association Football means the game of football as regulated by the Laws of the Game

    and controlled by FIFA.

    10. Football means, as the context requires, any or all types of football including withoutlimitation futsal and beach soccer.

    11. Statutes, Regulation Governing the Application of the Statutes and Standing Orders of theCongress means rules and regulations promulgated by the Congress.

    12. Regulations means rules, regulations, codes, instructions and directives as promulgatedby the Executive Committee.

    13. League means a professional league and/or amateur league which consist of acombination of clubs within the territory of a National Association and which is

    subordinate to and under the authority of that National Association.

    14. Regional Association means an organisation subordinate to a National Association.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    2/50

    2

    15. Club means a professional club or an amateur club which participates in Leagues or

    competitions under the auspices of a National Association.

    16. Player means a professional or amateur football player registered with a National

    Association.

    17. IFAB means the International Football Association Board.

    18. CAS (TAS) means Court of Arbitration for Sport (Tribunal Arbitral du Sport) in

    Lausanne (Switzerland).

    19. Simple majority means more than 50 percent

    NB: Unless the context otherwise requires, references to natural persons include both genders

    and the singular case applies to the plural and vice-versa.

    ARTICLE 1. TITLE, LEGAL FORM, HEADQUARTERS, LANGUAGE

    1. The organisation shall be called The Asian Football Confederation or AFC.2. AFC is an association registered under Section 7 of the Societies Act 1966 of the laws of

    Malaysia.

    3. AFC is a Confederation recognised by FIFA.4. The headquarters of the AFC shall be in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and may only be

    transferred by a resolution of the Congress.

    5. The official languages of the AFC shall be English and Arabic. In the event of anydifferences in the interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

    ARTICLE 2 OBJECTIVES

    The objectives of the AFC are:

    1. to improve the game of Football constantly and promote, regulate and control it in theterritory of Asia in the light of fair play and its unifying, educational, cultural andhumanitarian values, particularly through youth and development programmes;

    2. to foster friendly relationships between and amongst National Associations, confederations,FIFA and other organisations;

    3. to control all types of Football, ensure compliance and prevent infringements of theStatutes, Codes, Rules, Regulations, Standing Orders, directives and decisions of FIFA,AFC and Laws of the Game;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    3/50

    3

    4. to organise and manage international Football competitions at Asian level;

    5. to draw up regulations and provisions and ensure their enforcement;6. to protect the interests of its Member Associations;7. to prevent the introduction of improper methods and practices which might jeopardize the

    integrity of matches or competitions, or give rise to the abuse of Football.

    8. to institute strong measures and campaigns against bribery, corruption, drugs and racism inFootball;

    9. to settle disputes between and amongst Players, Officials, Clubs, Member Associations,AFC and other organisations;

    10. to ensure that its representatives in FIFA actively represent the collective views of the AFCand do so in the true spirit of Asian solidarity;

    11. to disseminate information on the AFC and FIFA activities;

    12. to raise funds, purchase or hold any asset for the benefit of, or reinvestment in all levels andareas of Football.

    ARTICLE 3. NEUTRALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

    1. The AFC is neutral in matters of politics and religion.2. Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account

    of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason is strictly

    prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.

    ARTICLE 4. PROMOTING FRIENDLY RELATIONS

    1. AFC shall promote friendly relations between its Member Associations, Clubs, Officialsand Players and in society for humanitarian objectives.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    4/50

    4

    2. Every person and organisation involved in the game of Football is obliged to observe theStatutes, Regulations and the principles of fair play as well as the principles of loyalty,

    integrity and sportsmanship.

    3. AFC shall, in accordance with these Statutes, provide the necessary institutional means to

    resolve any dispute that may arise between Member Associations, Clubs, Officials andPlayers in Asia.

    ARTICLE 5. LAWS OF THE GAME

    The AFC and Member Associations shall organize and/or play :i) Association Football in compliance with the Laws of the Game issued by IFAB. Only

    IFAB may lay down and alter the Laws of the Game.ii) Futsal in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game as issued by FIFA Executive

    Committee.

    iii) Beach Soccer in accordance with the Beach Soccer Laws of the Game as issued by FIFAExecutive Committee.iv) any other type of football in accordance with the relevant Laws of the Game for that type of

    football issued by the competent FIFA body.

    ARTICLE 6. CONDUCT OF BODIES AND OFFICIALS

    The bodies and Officials of the AFC must observe the Statutes, Rules and Regulations, directives,decisions, Disciplinary Code and the Code of Ethics of FIFA and the AFC in their activities.

    ARTICLE 7. ADMISSION, SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

    1. The Congress shall decide whether to admit, suspend or expel a Member Associationexcept where the authority is given to the Executive Committee in accordance with theseStatutes.

    2. Admission may be granted if the applicant fulfils the requirements of the AFC as specifiedin these Statutes.

    3. Membership is terminated by resignation or expulsion. Loss of membership does notrelieve the Member Association from its due financial obligations towards the AFC orother Member Association of the AFC, but leads to cancellation of all rights in relation to

    the AFC.

    ARTICLE 8. MEMBERSHIP

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    5/50

    5

    1. Membership shall be open to National Associations in Asia.2. A National Association that is situated in another continent may be admitted to

    membership provided that it is not a member of any other confederation. However, such a

    membership to the AFC must be in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.

    3. Only one National Association shall be officially recognised in each country or territory.4. Membership shall be Ordinary, Provisional or Associate.a) Ordinary Membership may be granted by the Congress to an association which is a

    member of FIFA.b) Provisional Membership may be granted by the Executive Committee to a new applicant

    for a minimum period of two years.c) Associate Membership may be granted by the Executive Committee for a specific period

    of time to any National Association which does not fulfill the criteria to be a Member of

    FIFA in accordance with the applicable FIFA statutes.

    5. Provisional and Associate members shall be entitled to all the privileges of a MemberAssociation except the right to vote at the Congress or the Extraordinary Congress and tohold office.

    6. AFC shall accept a National Association as a Provisional or Ordinary member inconformity with FIFA Statutes provided all concerned parties are in agreement.

    7. All applications for membership shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the AFC to theGeneral Secretariat of the AFC.

    8. The application must be accompanied by the following mandatory items:a) a copy of the applicants legally valid statutes and regulations;

    b) a declaration that it will always comply with the Statutes, Codes, Regulations, directives

    and decisions of FIFA and the AFC; and ensure that these are also respected by its ownmembers, Clubs, Officials and Players;

    c) a declaration that it will comply with the Laws of the Game in force;

    d) a declaration that it recognises the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, as

    specified in these Statutes;

    e) a declaration to the effect that the legal composition of the applicant guarantees that it can

    make decisions independently of any external entity;

    f) a list of Officials, specifying those who are authorised signatories with the right to enterinto legally binding agreements with the AFC;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    6/50

    6

    g) a declaration that it recognises the right of the AFC in controlling matches and

    competitions between National Association teams and between Leagues and/or Club teamsfrom different Member Associations in the AFC territory;

    h) a copy of the minutes of its last congress or constitutional meeting.

    9. This article shall not affect the status of existing Member Associations.

    10. The existing Ordinary Member Associations shall be divided into four zones, namely:

    West, South & Central, ASEAN and East as follows:

    WEST SOUTH &

    CENTRAL

    ASEAN EAST

    Bahrain

    Iraq

    JordanKuwait

    Lebanon

    Oman

    Palestine

    Qatar

    Saudi Arabia

    Syria

    UAE

    Yemen

    Afghanistan

    Bangladesh

    BhutanIndia

    IR Iran

    Kyrgyzstan

    Maldives

    Nepal

    Pakistan

    Sri Lanka

    Tajikistan

    Turkmenistan

    Uzbekistan

    Australia

    Brunei

    CambodiaEast Timor

    Indonesia

    Laos

    Malaysia

    Myanmar

    Philippines

    Singapore

    Thailand

    Vietnam

    China PR

    Chinese Taipei

    DPR KoreaGuam

    Hong Kong

    Japan

    Korea Rep.

    Macau

    Mongolia

    12 13 12 9

    TOTAL: 46 Ordinary Member Associations

    ARTICLE 9. REQUEST AND PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION

    1. The procedure for admission shall be regulated by the Regulations Governing theApplication of the Statutes adopted by the Congress.

    2. The Executive Committee shall request the Congress either to admit or not to admit anapplicant. The applicant may state the reasons for its application to the Congress.

    3. The new Member Association shall acquire membership rights and duties as soon as it hasbeen admitted. Delegates representing Ordinary Members are eligible to vote with

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    7/50

    7

    immediate effect provided that the delegate with the right to vote has been identified to theAFC General Secretariat under the procedure set out in Article 20.

    ARTICLE 10. RIGHTS OF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

    1. The Member Associations have the following rights:

    a) to take part in the Congress, to know its agenda in advance, to be called to the Congresswithin the prescribed time and to exercise their voting rights;

    b) to draw up proposals for inclusion in the agenda of the Congress;c) to nominate candidates for all bodies of the AFC that are subject to election;d) to be informed of the affairs of the AFC through the official bodies of the AFC;e) to take part in the AFC competitions, through their representative teams and clubs, and/or

    other sports activities organised by the AFC;

    f) to benefit from the rights and privileges granted to them by these Statutes and applicableRegulations.

    2. The exercise of these rights is subject to other provisions in these Statutes and applicable

    Regulations.

    ARTICLE 11. OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

    1. Member Associations have the following obligations:-

    a) to comply fully with the Statutes, Codes, Rules and Regulations, directives and decisionsof FIFA and the AFC at all times and to ensure that these are also respected by its members;

    b) to ensure the election of its decision-making bodies;c) to take part in competitions and other sports activities organised by the AFC;d) to pay their membership subscriptions;e) to respect the Laws of the Game as laid down by IFAB and to ensure that these are also

    respected by its members through a statutory provision;

    f) to adopt a statutory clause specifying that any dispute requiring arbitration involving itselfor one of its members and relating to the Statutes, Regulations, directives and decisions of

    FIFA and the AFC shall come solely under the jurisdiction of the appropriate arbitrationtribunal recognised by the AFC and that any recourse to ordinary courts is prohibited;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    8/50

    8

    g) to communicate to the AFC any amendment of its statutes, rules and regulations in Englishas well as the list of its Officials or persons who are authorised signatories, with the right toenter into legally binding agreements with the AFC;

    h)

    not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities that are not recognised byFIFA and the AFC or with Member Associations that have been suspended or expelled;

    i) to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and good sporting behaviour as an expressionof fair play through a statutory provision;

    j) to observe the mandatory items specified under Article 8 paragraph 8 for the duration oftheir membership;

    k) to administer a register of members which shall regularly be updated;l)

    to apply a club licensing system according to the minimum requirement set by the AFCfrom time to time. Member Associations shall include such an obligation and define thelicensing bodies in their statutes;

    m) to recognise each of the other Member Associations as the sole controlling body of footballin their respective countries and territories;

    n) not to form themselves into regional associations or federations without the consent ofFIFA and the AFC;

    o) to regulate all Leagues and Clubs which exist within their geographical territory;p) to be held responsible for the good conduct and all financial commitments of their Clubs

    towards the AFC and FIFA;

    q) to notify FIFA and the AFC promptly of any change in its address and in the name ofprincipal office bearers;

    r) to manage its affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.

    2. Violation of the above-mentioned obligations by any Member Association may lead to

    sanctions provided for in these Statutes.

    ARTICLE 12. SUSPENSION

    1. The Congress is responsible for suspending a Member Association. The ExecutiveCommittee may, however, suspend a Member Association that seriously and repeatedlyviolates its obligations as a Member Association with immediate effect. The suspension

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    9/50

    9

    shall last until the next Congress, unless the Executive Committee has lifted it in themeantime.

    2. A Member Association may in particular be suspended if state authorities interfere in itsaffairs in such a significant way that:

    a) it may no longer be considered as fully responsible for the organisation offootball-related matters in its territory;b) it is no longer in a position to perform its statutory tasks in an appropriate manner;

    c) the smooth running of a competition organised under its auspices is no longerguaranteed; or

    d) the free election of its executive organ is no longer ensured.

    3. A suspension shall be confirmed at the next Congress by a three-quarter majority of thevotes taken. If it is not confirmed, the suspension is automatically lifted.

    4. A suspended Member Association shall lose its membership rights. Other MemberAssociations may not entertain sporting contact with a suspended Member Association.The Disciplinary Committee may impose further sanctions.

    5. Member Associations which do not participate in at least two (2) of the AFCscompetitions (as specified in Article 69.2) over a period of two (2) consecutive yearsimmediately prior to a Congress shall be suspended from voting at the Congress until they

    have fulfilled their obligations in this respect.

    ARTICLE 13. EXPULSIONS

    1. The Congress may expel a Member Association if:

    a) its fails to fulfill its financial obligations towards the AFC;b) it seriously violates its own Statutes, Codes, Rules, Regulations and Standing Orders or

    those of the AFC or FIFA;c) it ceases to have the legal status of a National Association in its own country or territory;

    d) it ceases to be a member of FIFA;

    2. To be passed, the motion for expulsion must be adopted by a three-quarter majority of thevalid votes cast.

    ARTICLE 14. RESIGNATIONS

    1. Subject to Article 14.2, a Member Association may resign from the AFC with effect from

    the end of a calendar year. Notice of resignation must reach the General Secretariat no laterthan six months before the end of the calendar year and be sent by registered letter.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    10/50

    10

    2. Resignation shall not affect any existing financial obligations towards the AFC or itsMember Associations.

    ARTICLE 15. STATUS AND RECOGNITION OF MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

    1. The executive body of a Member Association shall be elected by the congress, even on aninterim basis, within the Association. The statutes of a Member Association shall providefor an election procedure that guarantees the complete independence of the election.

    2. AFC may not recognise the executive body of a Member Association, even on an interimbasis, if it has not been elected in accordance with Article 15.1, except if the executive

    body is established as a normalization committee by FIFA, in consultation with AFC.

    3. Only decisions passed by bodies that have been constituted in accordance with Article 15.2may be recognised by the AFC.

    ARTICLE 16. STATUS OF CLUBS, LEAGUES, REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

    AND OTHER GROUPS OF STAKE HOLDERS AFFILIATED TO A MEMBER

    ASSOCIATION

    1. Clubs, Leagues, Regional Associations or any other groups of stake holders affiliated to aMember Association shall be subordinate to and recognised by that Member Association.

    The Member Association statutes shall define the scope of authority and the rights andduties of these Clubs and groups. Their statutes and regulations must be approved by the

    Member Association.

    2. Every Member Association shall ensure that its affiliated Clubs and groups take alldecisions on any matters regarding their membership independently of any external body.

    This obligation applies regardless of their corporate structure.

    3. In any case, the Member Association shall ensure that no natural or legal person (including

    holding companies and subsidiaries) exercise third-party control over more than one Clubor group whenever the integrity of any match or competition could be jeopardised.

    ARTICLE 17. HONORARY APPOINTMENTSAND AWARDS

    I. Honorary appointment

    1. Congress may conferthe following Honorary appointment on individuals for meritoriousservices rendered to the AFC upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee:-

    a) Honorary Presidentb) Honorary Vice-Presidents;c) Honorary Members

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    11/50

    11

    2. Honorary officials may attend and participate in Congress without the right to vote.

    II. AFC Diamond of Asia Award

    1. The Congress may confer the AFC Diamond of Asia Award to individuals who haverendered meritorious services to the development and promotion of football in the Asian

    Continent, both at the Member Association and AFC level.

    2. The AFC Diamond of Asia Award is the most prestigious and honoured AFC Award.3. The AFC Executive Committee will nominate the eligible candidates for this award.4. Should there be different names put forward, the AFC Executive Committee will delegate

    to a sub-committee. The sub-committee will be responsible for providing a shortlist with

    recommendations to the AFC Executive Committee.

    5. The award, however, may not be presented if the AFC Executive Committee decides thereis no suitable candidate in any given year.

    6. The selection criteria for the Diamond of Asia Award shall be based on the following:a) Outstanding achievement in Football, leadership ability and community involvement;b) the individual will have to be free of any major disciplinary sanctions or suspensions.7. The recipients of this award will enjoy a distinguished position within the AFC, and will be

    entitled to special privileges, including:

    a) Invitations to AFC competitions (specifically opening and final matches);b) Invitations to AFC official functions and events.III. Distinguished Service Awards

    The Executive Committee may confer Distinguished Service Awards in the following

    categories to Executive Committee Members and/or Board Members and/or coach(es)and/or Referee(s) and those who have rendered meritorious services to the development

    and promotion of football in the Asian Continent, both at the member Association andAFC level:-

    a) individuals who have served 30 years or more may be awarded the AFC Gold Star;b) individuals who have served 20 years or more may be awarded the AFC Silver Star;c) individuals who have served 10 years or more may be awarded the AFC Bronze Star;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    12/50

    12

    IV. The Executive Committee may confer Awards on long serving staff of AFC. To qualify forthe award, the staff must have been in employment with the AFC for a minimum of ten

    (10) years.

    V. The AFC Century Award

    1. The Congress may confer the AFC Century Award to Players who have participated in onehundred or more International A Matches (excluding friendly matches) for their country.

    2. The selection criteria for the AFC Century Award shall be based on the following:-a) Member Associations must submit nominations every year on Players who have played a

    minimum of one hundred matches;

    b) Nomination must be submitted together with the relevant documents in support includingbut not limited to the Players list of all matches that he/she participated in.

    VI. The AFC Abdullah Al Dabal Award

    1. The Most Valuable Player of the Match (wherever it is applicable) and the Most ValuablePlayer of the Tournament (wherever it is applicable) shall be awarded the Abdullah Al

    Dabal Award.

    2. This Award shall only be open to participants in AFC Mens competitions.

    ARTICLE 18. BODIES

    1. The Congress is the supreme and legislative body of the AFC.2. The Executive Committee is the executive body of the AFC.3. The General Secretariat is the administrative body of the AFC.4. The Standing and Ad Hoc Committees shall assist the Executive Committee in the

    performance of its duties in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes, Rules andRegulations. Their duties, composition and function are defined in these Statutes and/or

    special Regulations drawn up by the Executive Committee which shall be in line withthese Statutes.

    5. The judicial bodies are the Disciplinary Committee, Appeals Committee and EthicsCommittee (if established). The responsibilities and functions of the Disciplinary

    Committee and Appeals Committee shall be stipulated in the AFC Disciplinary Code and

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    13/50

    13

    those of the Ethics Committee shall be stipulated in the AFC Code of Ethics. TheDisciplinary Code and Code of Ethics are promulgated by the Executive Committee.

    6. AFC may from time to time establish other bodies which it deems necessary for thedevelopment of football in Asia.

    7. The bodies of the AFC shall be either elected or appointed by the AFC itself without anyexternal influence and in accordance with the procedures described in these Statutes

    ARTICLE 19. DEFINITION AND COMPOSITION OF THE CONGRESS

    1. The Congress is the meeting at which all of the Member Associations of AFC convene. Itrepresents the supreme and legislative authority of the AFC. Only a Congress that is duly

    convened has the authority to make decisions.

    2. A Congress may be an Ordinary or Extraordinary Congress.

    3. The President shall conduct the Congress business in compliance with the Standing Ordersof the Congress.

    4. The Congress may appoint observers who take part in the Congress without the right todebate or to vote.

    5. The honorary officials appointed in accordance with Article 17.1 may take part in the

    Congress. They may join the debates but are not entitled to vote.

    ARTICLE 20. DELEGATES AND VOTING

    1. Each Member Association shall have one (1) vote and is entitled to be represented by amaximum of three (3) delegates to participate in the Congress. One of the three (3)

    delegates shall exercise the right to vote on behalf of the Member Association.

    2. The names of the three delegates must reach the General Secretariat at least fourteen (14)days before the date of the Congress indicating the delegate authorised to vote.

    3. No delegate shall be allowed to represent more than one Member Association. Only the

    authorised delegates who are present are entitled to vote. Voting by proxy or by letter is notpermitted.

    4. Delegates must belong to the Member Association that they represent and be appointed orelected by the appropriate body of that Member Association. They must also be able to

    produce evidence of this upon request.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    14/50

    14

    5. The Executive Committee may at its discretion invite any person or persons to theCongress who may attend and participate in the Congress without voting rights.

    6. The Executive Committee and the General Secretary shall take part in the Congress

    without voting rights.

    ARTICLE 21. AREA OF AUTHORITY

    The Congress has the following authority:

    a) adopting or amending the Statutes, Regulations governing the application of the Statutesand the Standing orders of the Congress;

    b) appointing three (3) Members to check the minutes and approving the minutes of the last

    meeting;

    c) electing the Executive Committee (cf. Article 31);

    d) appointing the scrutineers;

    e) approving the financial statements;

    f) approving the budget;

    g) approving the General Secretarys activity report;

    h) appointing the independent auditors upon the proposal of the Executive Committee;

    i) fixing the membership subscriptions;

    j) deciding, upon the nomination of the Executive Committee, whether to bestow the titles ofhonorary and awards;

    k) admitting, suspending or expelling a Member;

    l) revoking the mandate of one or a number of members of a body of AFC;

    m) dissolving AFC;

    n) passing decisions at the request of a Member in accordance with these Statutes;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    15/50

    15

    ARTICLE 22. QUORUM OF THE CONGRESS

    1. The quorum for the Congress shall be the simple majority of the Member Associations who

    are entitled to vote.

    2. If a quorum is not achieved, a second Congress shall take place 24 hours after the first, with

    the same agenda.

    ARTICLE 23. DECISIONS OF THE CONGRESS

    1. Unless otherwise stipulated in the Statutes, a proposal or motion shall be passed ifsupported by a simple majority of the valid votes cast.

    2. In these Statutes, spoiled or blank voting slips or any other forms of abstentions aredisregarded in calculating the majority.

    3. A decision that requires a vote shall be reached by a show of hands or by means of anelectronic count save in case of election which shall be carried out by secret ballot or byacclamation as stipulated in Article 24. If a show of hands does not result in a clear

    majority in favour of a proposal or motion, the vote shall be taken by calling the roll inalphabetical order.

    ARTICLE 24. ELECTIONS

    1. The election of office-bearers at the Congress shall be by secret ballot, except where acandidate has no opponent for the seat he may be elected by acclamation. No voting by

    letter or proxy is permitted.

    2. The President of AFC shall be elected by two-thirds (2/3) majority votes recorded on the

    first ballot. In subsequent ballots, a simple majority of the votes recorded is necessary.From the second ballot (if required) onwards, and in the event of more than two candidates,

    the one obtaining the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated after each ballot until onlytwo candidates remain.

    3. The election for the position of Vice-Presidents, FIFA Executive Committee members and

    AFC Executive Committee members shall be decided in a first ballot by a simple majority.If, in the first ballot no candidate obtains the simple majority of the votes cast, a secondballot takes place after the elimination of the candidate who has obtained the least number

    of votes in the first ballot; and this procedure shall continue until the required numbers ofcandidates have been elected.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    16/50

    16

    ARTICLE 25. ORDINARY CONGRESS

    1. The Ordinary Congress shall be held every two years.2. The Executive Committee shall fix the place and date. Notice of the Ordinary Congress

    shall be posted to all Member Associations under registered cover not later than ninety(90) days before the scheduled date of the Congress unless decided otherwise by theExecutive Committee.

    3. The General Secretary shall, not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the Congress,mail to the Member Associations by registered cover the following:-

    a) the agenda of the Congress;b)the report of the General Secretary;c) the Financial Statements and the Auditors report;d)the names of the candidates for election;e)

    proposals for amendments and/or alterations to the Statutes, if any;f) any other matters raised by Member Associations or the Executive Committee forwhich due notice has been given.

    ARTICLE 26. ORDINARY CONGRESS AGENDA

    1. The General Secretary shall draw up the agenda based on proposals from the ExecutiveCommittee and the Member Associations. Any proposal that a Member Associationwishes to submit to the Congress shall be sent to the General Secretariat in writing, with abrief explanation, at least two (2) months before the date of the Congress.

    2. The Agenda of the Congress shall comprise the following:a) a declaration that the Congress has been convened and composed in compliance with

    the Statutes of AFC;b) the approval of the Congress Agenda;c) an address by the President;d) the appointment of three (3) members to check the official Minutes;e) the appointment of three (3) scrutineers to check the voting;f) the confirmation of the Minutes of the preceding Congress;g) the General Secretarys report for the period preceding Congress;h) the reports of the Committees and bodies;i) to consider the admission, suspension, expulsion or resignation of Member

    Associations (if applicable);j) the dismissal of a person or body; (if applicable).k) the submission for approval of the Statement of Accounts and the Auditors Reports;l) the approval of the budget;m) the proposals for amendments and alterations to the Statutes, (if applicable);

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    17/50

    17

    n) the election of the President, Vice Presidents, FIFA Executive CommitteeMembers and members of the AFC Executive Committee (if applicable);

    o) the appointment of External Auditors (if applicable);p) to consider questions from Member Associations and other matters proposed by the

    Executive Committee;

    q) to bestow Honorary Titles and Awards, if any.

    3. Any amendments or alterations to the Agenda shall only be made with the approval ofthree-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast by the Member Associations present.

    4. The Congress shall not make a decision on any point not included in the agenda.ARTICLE 27. EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS

    1. An Extraordinary Congress may be convened:-

    a) by the Executive Committee whenever deemed necessary;b) in the event the office of the President falls vacant for more than one (1) year of his

    election;c) upon a written request by at least one third (1/3) of the Member Associations within

    sixty (60) days of the receipt of the written request.

    2. The date and venue shall be determined by the Executive Committee and notified to theMember Associations at least thirty (30) days before the Extraordinary Congress.

    3. When an Extraordinary Congress is convened on the initiative of the Executive Committee,it must draw up the agenda. When an Extraordinary Congress is convened upon the

    request of Member Associations, the agenda must contain the points raised by thoseMembers.

    4. The agenda of an Extraordinary Congress may not be altered. Extraordinary Congress shall

    discuss only the items for which it has been convened.

    5. Extraordinary Congress shall be conducted in the same manner as the Ordinary Congress.

    ARTICLE 28. AMENDMENT TO THE STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

    GOVERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE STATUTES AND THE STANDING

    ORDER OF THE CONGRESS

    1. Only the Congress may amend or alter the Statutes and the Regulations Governing theApplication of the Statutes and the Standing Orders of the Congress.

    2. Proposals to amend or alter the Statutes may either be submitted by a Member Associationand seconded by two (2) others or by the Executive Committee. Proposals to amend theRegulations Governing the Application of the Statutes and the Standing Orders of the

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    18/50

    18

    Congress may be submitted by a Member Association or by the Executive Committee. Theproposals submitted shall be in writing with a brief explanation.

    3. All amendments and alterations to the Statutes shall only be adopted with the approval ofthree-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast by the Member Associations present.

    4. All amendment to the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes and theStanding Orders of the Congress shall be adopted only with the approval of a simple

    majority of the votes cast by the Member Associations present.

    ARTICLE 29. MINUTES

    The General Secretary shall be responsible for recording the minutes at the Congress. The minutesshall be checked by those members designated and finally approved at the next Congress.

    ARTICLE 30. EFFECTIVE DATES OF DECISIONS

    Decisions passed by the Congress shall come into effect thirty (30) days after the close of theCongress, unless the Congress fixes another date for a decision to take effect.

    ARTICLE 31. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

    1. The Executive Committee shall consist of up to 24 members elected from among the

    candidates nominated by the Member Associations for the following positions: -

    a. the Presidentb. FIFA Vice-President;c. one (1) female Vice President;d. four (4) Vice-Presidentse. three (3) further representatives to the FIFA Executive Committee; (in addition to the

    FIFA Vice-President), one of whom shall be the AFC President if the AFC Presidentis not otherwise a FIFA Vice-President;

    f. three (3) female members;g. twelve (12) members.

    2. The President may be elected from any zone without affecting the quota of the zone fromwhich he originates.

    3. There shall be four (4) seats for female members, one from each zone commencing in2009, and one of whom shall be elected as Vice-President and the remaining three shallbe elected as members of the Executive Committee.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    19/50

    19

    4. The members of the Executive Committee, excluding the President, shall be elected inaccordance with the four zones as follows:-

    WEST ASIA - 6 SEATS

    SOUTH & CENTRAL ASIA - 6 SEATS

    ASEAN - 6 SEATSEAST ASIA - 5 SEATS

    5. The Congress shall elect the representatives from amongst the nominated candidates from

    each zone in accordance with Article 31.4 above.

    6. The candidate or candidates elected to the FIFA Executive Committee as stipulated above,shall be included in the quota of the respective zone.

    7. Members of the Executive Committee shall serve the term of four (4) years and are eligiblefor re-election. A member of the Executive Committee may not at the same time be amember of any of the Judicial Bodies.

    8. No person shall be elected to the office of President for more than three terms (12 years).

    9. Every candidate nominated to the Executive Committee, including the President, shall beunder the age of seventy (70) as at the date of the election. Every candidate nominated is

    required to submit the relevant documents to the Secretariat for verification.

    10. Each candidate nominated to the Executive Committee for election must be by name andshall be proposed by his National Association in the prescribed forms and shall be

    submitted to reach the General Secretariat not later than sixty (60) days before the date ofthe Congress.

    11. A Member Association may propose only one (1) candidate for each position in theExecutive Committee. No Member Association shall be eligible to be represented by more

    than one (1) member in the Executive Committee.

    12. All candidates must be persons who have served football in various capacities at club,regional or national level and citizens of the country represented by their National

    Association.

    13.The General Secretariat shall notify the Member Associations of the names of proposedcandidates at least thirty (30) days before the date of the Congress.

    14.The Senior Vice-President shall be appointed by the Executive Committee upon the proposalof the President from amongst the elected Vice-Presidents. In the absence of an

    appointment, the longest-serving Vice-President shall be deemed to be the SeniorVice-President.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    20/50

    20

    15.If the President ceases to carry out or is prevented from performing his duties the Senior

    Vice-President shall deputise until the next Congress subject to the provisions of Article27.1(b).

    16. If a position should become vacant, the Executive Committee, upon the proposal of thePresident, shall fill that position until the next Ordinary Congress or ExtraordinaryCongress (if applicable), when a replacement will be elected for the remaining term of

    mandate.

    ARTICLE 32. POWERS AND DUTIES

    1. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to take decisions on all matters, which arenot exclusive to the Congress or are not reserved for other bodies by law or under these

    Statutes, including the release of the funds of the AFC towards the fulfillment of its

    objectives.

    2. The duties of the Executive Committee are as follows:-a) to carry out the objectives of the AFC;b) to prepare and convene the Ordinary and Extraordinary Congress of the AFC;c) to ensure that the Statutes are applied, and adopt the executive arrangements

    required for their application;

    d) to approve regulations stipulating how the AFC shall be organised internally;e) to formulate the Rules, Regulations, Standing Orders and Instructions of the AFC;f) to appoint the chairman, deputy chairman and members of the Standing

    Committees;

    g) to appoint the chairman, deputy chairman and members of the judicial bodies;h) to set up ad-hoc committees if necessary at any time;i) to approve and submit to the Congress the following:-

    i. the reports of the General Secretary and the various Committees and bodies;ii. the Statement of Accounts and the Auditors Report;iii. the budget;iv. all proposals for amendments and alterations to the Statutes;v. the appointment of the External Auditors;vi. all questions to be raised.

    j) to appoint and dismiss the General Secretary on the proposal of the President;k) to relieve a person of his duties in accordance with Article 40.9;

    l) to provisionally dismiss a person or body or provisionally suspend a MemberAssociation until the next Congress;

    m) may delegate tasks arising out of its area of authority to other bodies of the AFC or

    third parties.

    ARTICLE 33. MEETINGS

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    21/50

    21

    1. The Executive Committee shall meet at least two (2) times a year.2. The President shall convene the Executive Committee meetings. If 50% of the Executive

    Committee members request a meeting, the President shall convene it within 21 days.

    3. The President shall compile the agenda. Each member of the Executive Committee isentitled to propose items for inclusion in the agenda. The members of the Executive

    Committee must submit the points they wish to be included in the agenda for the meeting tothe General Secretariat at least six (6) weeks before the meeting. The agenda must be sent

    out to the members of the Executive Committee at least four (4) weeks before the meeting.

    4. The General Secretary shall take part in the meetings of the Executive Committee in aconsultative role.

    5. The meetings of the Executive Committee shall not be held in public. The ExecutiveCommittee may, however, invite third parties to attend. Those third parties shall not havevoting rights, and may only express an opinion with the permission of the ExecutiveCommittee.

    6. Any member of the Executive Committee who is absent without a properly acceptedapology for three (3) consecutive meetings or any six (6) meetings during their term shall

    be provisionally suspended from the Executive Committee. A decision shall then be madeby the Congress, at the next Congress, which shall be final.

    7. If circumstances so require, any member of the Executive Committee may, subject to theagreement of the President and General Secretary, attend a meeting of the ExecutiveCommittee by telephone conference, video conference or any other similar method.

    ARTICLE 34. DECISIONS

    1. The quorum for a meeting of the Executive Committee shall be a simple majority of itsmembers.

    2. The Executive Committee shall reach decisions by a simple majority of the votes cast bythe members present. In the event of a tied vote, the President shall have the casting vote.

    Voting by proxy or letter is not permitted.

    3. Any member of the Executive Committee must withdraw from the debate and from taking adecision if there is any risk or possibility of a conflict of interests.

    4. The decisions taken shall be recorded in the minutes.5. The decisions taken by the Executive Committee shall come into effect immediately, unless

    the Executive Committee decides otherwise.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    22/50

    22

    6. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Executive Committeemay be taken without a meeting if a majority of the members of the Executive Committeeconsent thereto in writing, and the written consents are filed with the minutes of meetings of

    the Executive Committee. The resolution in writing, signed by a majority of the Executive

    Committee members for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of thecommittee, shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of theExecutive Committee duly convened and held. Any such resolution may consist of several

    documents in like form, each signed by one or more members. The expressions in writingor signed include approval by legible confirmed transmission by email, facsimile, or other

    forms of electronic communication.

    ARTICLE 35. DISMISSAL OF A PERSON OR BODY

    1. The Congress may dismiss a person or body. The Executive Committee may place thedismissal of a person or body on the agenda for the Congress. The Executive Committeemay also dismiss a person or body provisionally. Any Executive Committee member maysubmit a proposal to place such a motion for dismissal on the agenda of the Executive

    Committee.

    2. The motion for dismissal must be accompanied by written reasons. It will be sent to theMember Associations of the AFC along with the agenda.

    3. The person or body in question has the right to speak in his or its own defense.4. The Congress shall reach a decision by means of secret ballot. For the motion to be passed,

    a majority of two-thirds of the valid votes in favor of the motion is required.

    5. The person or body dismissed (provisionally) must be relieved of his or its functions withimmediate effect.

    ARTICLE 36. THE PRESIDENT

    1. The President shall be the legal representative of the AFC.2. He shall be responsible for:

    a) implementing the decisions passed by the Congress and the Executive Committeethrough the General Secretariat;

    b) ensuring the effective functioning of the bodies of the AFC in order that theyachieve the objectives described in these Statutes;

    c) supervising the work of the General Secretariat;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    23/50

    23

    d) relations between the AFC and its Members, FIFA, political bodies and otherorganisations.

    e) Only the President may propose the appointment or dismissal of the GeneralSecretary.

    f) The President shall preside at the Congress, the Extraordinary Congress, theExecutive Committee meetings and other Committee meetings of which he isChairman.

    g) The President shall be ex-officio member in all Standing Committees without theright to vote.

    h) The President shall have an ordinary vote on the Executive Committee and theEmergency Committee and, whenever votes are equal, shall have a casting vote.

    i) If the President is absent or unavailable, the Senior Vice-President available shalldeputise.

    j) Any additional powers of the President shall be contained in the internalorganisation regulations of the AFC.

    ARTICLE 37. CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE AFC PRESIDENT

    1. The President shall be elected by the Congress for a period of four years. His mandate shallbegin after the end of the Congress which has elected him. A President may be re-electedsubject to the provision of Article 31.8.

    2. Each nomination for candidacy for the office of the AFC President shall be proposed byany two (2) Member Associations in the prescribed forms and shall be submitted to reach

    the General Secretariat not later than sixty (60) days before the date of the Congress.

    3. The General Secretariat shall notify the Member Associations of the names of proposedcandidates for the office of the AFC President at least thirty (30) days before the date of

    the Congress.

    ARTICLE 38. REPRESENTATION AND SIGNATURE

    The President represents the AFC legally and is entitled to sign for the AFC in accordance with theStatutes and Regulations. The Executive Committee may set up internal organisation regulations

    regarding the joint signature of officers, in particular, in case of the Presidents absence and allimportant business of the AFC.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    24/50

    24

    ARTICLE 39. EMERGENCY COMMITTEE

    1. The Emergency Committee shall deal with all matters requiring immediate settlementbetween two meetings of the Executive Committee. The Emergency Committee shallconsist of

    a) the President;b) the five AFC Vice-Presidents.

    2. The President shall convene the Emergency Committee meetings. The procedure for takingaction without a meeting set out under Article 34 paragraph 6 applies to the Emergency

    Committee. Such decisions shall have immediate legal effect. The President shall notifythe Executive Committee immediately of the decisions passed by the Emergency

    Committee.

    3. All decisions taken by the Emergency Committee shall be ratified by the ExecutiveCommittee at its next meeting.

    4. If the President is unable to attend a meeting, the Senior Vice-President available shalldeputise.

    5. The President is entitled to designate a deputy for any member who is unable to attend orhas a conflict of interests. The deputy shall belong to the Executive Committee and thesame zone as the member who is unable to attend or has a conflict of interests.

    6. If circumstances so require, any member of the Emergency Committee may, subject to theagreement of the President and General Secretary, attend a meeting of the EmergencyCommittee by telephone conference, video conference or any other similar method.

    ARTICLE 40. STANDING COMMITTEES

    1. The Standing Committees of AFC are:

    (a) Finance and Marketing Committee(b) Internal Audit Committee(c) Competitions Committee(d) Technical & Vision Asia Committee(e) Referees Committee(f) Womens Committee(g) Futsal Committee(h) Social Responsibility Committee.(i) Legal Committee(j) Medical Committee

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    25/50

    25

    2. The Standing Committees shall comprise the chairman, a deputy chairman and a minimumof three (3) members and maximum of nine (9) members. Only members of the Executive

    Committee shall be appointed as chairmen of the Standing Committees with the exceptionof the Internal Audit Committee chairman, who may not belong to the Executive

    Committee. The members of each Standing Committee shall be appointed by the Executive

    Committee on the proposal of the Member Associations of AFC or the President of AFC.The term of office of the Standing Committees is four years. Members may be reappointedand may also be relieved of their duties at any time in accordance with Article 40.9.

    3. Each chairman shall conduct business in compliance with these Statutes and the relevantorganisation regulations drawn up by the Executive Committee.

    4. The dates and the agenda of meetings of each Standing Committee shall be fixed by theGeneral Secretariat in consultation with the relevant chairman.

    5. Any decisions and/or policies made by the Standing Committee must be either inaccordance with a delegation from the Executive Committee or subsequently ratified by theExecutive Committee, in order to take effect.

    6. The quorum for the Standing Committee meetings shall not be less than half (1/2) thenumber that constitutes that Standing Committee.

    7. The procedure for taking action without a meeting set out under Article 34 paragraph 6shall apply to the Standing Committees.

    8. A member of the Standing Committee shall not take part in the deliberation of any matter orpoint of issue involving the Member Association with which he is associated, or in any inwhich a conflict of interest exists.

    9. Any member of the Standing Committees who is absent for three (3) consecutive meetingsor any five (5) meetings during their term without a properly accepted apology isautomatically suspended from the said committee. A decision shall then be made by theExecutive Committee whether or not to dismiss the member, which shall be final.

    10. Each Standing Committee may, if necessary, set up a bureau and/or sub-committee fromamong its members to settle urgent or specialised matters.

    11. Each Standing Committee may propose amendments to its regulations to the ExecutiveCommittee.

    12. If circumstances so require, any member of a Standing Committee may, subject to theagreement of that Committees Chairman and the General Secretary, attend a meeting of

    that Committee by telephone conference, video conference or any other similar method.

    ARTICLE 41. FINANCE AND MARKETING COMMITTEE

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    26/50

    26

    The Finance and Marketing Committee shall:

    - monitor the financial administration of the AFC and advise the Executive Committee onfinancial matters and asset management;

    - analyse the AFC budget and financial statements prepared by the General Secretary for

    submission to the Executive Committee and the Congress for approval;- advise the Executive Committee on the AFC marketing strategies and policies as well asin negotiating, drafting and implementing contracts between the AFC and its various

    marketing partners.

    ARTICLE 42. INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

    The Internal Audit Committee shall ensure the completeness and reliability of the

    financial accounting, review the External Auditors report at the request of the Executive

    Committee, assess and provide recommendations on the AFCs internal control systemsand risk management policies.

    ARTICLE 43. COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE

    Competitions Committee shall organise and manage AFC competitions and matchesincluding making decisions on any matters related to these competitions and matches in

    accordance with these Statutes and relevant Regulations.

    ARTICLE 44. TECHNICAL & VISION ASIA COMMITTEE

    The Technical & Vision Asia Committee shall be responsible for continuing educational

    aspects of the game of Football and supervise the implementation of the Vision Asia, acontinent wide programme to raise the standards of Asian football at all levels, and AID27,

    a football aid programme.

    ARTICLE 45. REFEREES COMMITTEE

    The Referees Committee shall:

    - implement and interpret the Laws of the Game and may propose amendments to theLaws of the Game to the Executive Committee for recommendation to FIFA;

    - appoint the referees, assistant referees, fourth officials, referee assessors and referee

    instructors for Football matches in competitions organised by the AFC;

    - approve a panel of AFC Elite Referees and Assistant Referees and Referee Instructorson a yearly basis.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    27/50

    27

    ARTICLE 46. WOMENS COMMITTEE

    The Womens Committee shall deal with all matters related to womens football inaccordance with these Statutes and relevant Regulations.

    ARITCLE 47. FUTSAL COMMITTEE

    The Futsal Committee shall deal with all matters related to Futsal in accordance with these

    Statutes and relevant Regulations.

    ARTICLE 48. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

    The Social Responsibility Committee shall ensure that AFCs social responsibilities are

    discharged consistent with AFCs policies and objectives and to be a source of unity to thefootball family.

    ARTICLE 49. LEGAL COMMITTEE

    The Legal Committee shall:

    - as requested by the Executive Committee, the President, the General Secretary or on theLegal Committees own initiative, consider, and advise on the management of legal issues

    that relate to and might reasonably affect the interests of the AFC, in respect of the game ofFootball, and the Statutes, Rules and Regulations of the AFC or its Member Associations;

    - report to the Executive Committee on any legal issue identified by the Committee as amatter requiring the attention of the Executive Committee, the Congress or other AFCbodies which has not been dealt with by such competent bodies.

    - assist the Executive Committee, the President or the General Secretary, when so required,to obtain legal advice or other legal services from the AFCs legal advisers and assist in thereview of any legal advice provided to the Confederation.

    ARTICLE 50. MEDICAL COMMITTEE

    The Medical Committee shall deal with all medical aspects of Football, including withoutlimitation anti doping matters.

    ARTICLE 51. AD-HOC COMMITTEES

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    28/50

    28

    The Executive Committee may create ad-hoc committees for special duties and a limited period oftime. The Executive Committee shall decide the composition, term of office and appoint a

    chairman, a deputy chairman and the members. The duties and function of the committee aredefined in special regulations drawn up by the Executive Committee. An ad-hoc committee shall

    report directly to Executive Committee.

    ARTICLE 52. GENERAL SECRETARIAT

    The General Secretariat shall carry out all the administrative work of the AFC under the direction

    of the General Secretary. The members of the General Secretariat are bound by the internalorganisational regulations of the AFC and must fulfill the given tasks in the best manner.

    ARTICLE 53. THE GENERAL SECRETARY

    1.

    The General Secretary shall be the Chief Executive of the General Secretariat and shall workunder the direction of the Executive Committee.

    2. He shall be appointed on the basis of an agreement governed by private law and shall have thenecessary professional qualifications.

    3. The General Secretary shall:-a) implement decisions passed by the Congress and the Executive Committee in

    compliance with the Presidents directives;

    b) be responsible for the administration of the General Secretariat;c) be responsible for the appointment and discipline of all staff of the General

    Secretariat;d) assist and participate in the Congress, Executive Committee and Committee

    meetings;e) be responsible for the Minutes of all meetings;f) be responsible for all publications of the AFC;g) be responsible for all correspondence of the AFC;h) liaise with FIFA, confederations and any other organisation in the promotion of the

    objects of the AFC;i) manage and keep the accounts of the AFC properly;j) propose managerial staff appointments to the President;.

    4. In the absence of the General Secretary an Acting General Secretary shall be appointed by theExecutive Committee.

    5. The General Secretary shall attend all meetings of the AFC as an ex-officio official without theright to vote.

    6. The General Secretary shall not be a Congress delegate or a member of any body of the AFC.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    29/50

    29

    ARTICLE 54. JUDICIAL BODIES

    1.The following judicial bodies of the AFC may be established :

    a) the Disciplinary Committee;b) the Appeals Committee;c) the Ethics Committee

    2. The responsibilities and functions of these bodies shall be stipulated in the Disciplinary Code ofAFC and the Code of Ethics of AFC.

    3. The decision-making powers of other committees remain unaffected.

    4. The members of the judicial bodies may not belong to any other body of the AFC at the same

    time.

    ARTICLE 55. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

    1.The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and the numberof members deemed necessary by the Executive Committee for the Disciplinary Committee to

    function properly. The Chairman, the Deputy Chairman shall have legal qualifications.

    2.The Committee may pronounce the sanctions described in these Statutes and the DisciplinaryCode of AFC on Member Associations, Officials, Clubs and Players.

    3.These provisions are subject to the disciplinary powers of the Congress and the ExecutiveCommittee with regard to the suspension and expulsion of a Member.

    ARTICLE 56. APPEALS COMMITTEE

    1. The Appeals Committee shall consist of a Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and the numberof members deemed necessary by the Executive Committee for the Appeals Committee to

    function properly. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman shall have legal qualifications

    2. The Appeals Committee shall have jurisdiction to hear appeals against decisions of theDisciplinary Committee that are not declared final under the Disciplinary Code.

    ARTICLE 57 SANCTIONS

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    30/50

    30

    The AFC may impose the following sanctions for any violation of its Statutes, Rules,Regulations and Standing Orders by its Member Associations, Clubs, Officials and

    Players:-

    1. for natural and legal persons:

    a) warning;b) reprimandc) fine;d) return of awards;e) confiscation.2.for natural persons:

    a) caution;b) expulsion;c) match suspension;d) ban from the dressing rooms and/or the substitutes bench;e) ban from entering the stadium;f) ban on taking part in any football-related activity.3. for legal persons:

    a) transfer ban;b) playing match without spectators;c) playing a match on neutral territory;d) ban on playing in a particular stadium;e) annulment of the result of the match;f) exclusion from a competition;g) defeat by forfeit;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    31/50

    31

    h) deduction of points;i) relegation to a lower division

    ARTICLE 58. DISPUTES

    1. Member Associations, Clubs, Officials or Players shall not refer disputes with FIFA, theAFC or Member Associations, Clubs, Leagues, Officials, Players, licensed match agents

    and players agents to courts of law but, after exhausting all previous stages of appealavailable at the AFC, FIFA, Member Associations or League level, may submit such

    disputes to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

    2. In conformity with Article 58.1, Member Associations and Clubs shall provide appropriateclause/clauses in their Statutes to restrain their officials and players from referring theirdisputes to ordinary courts.

    3. Any violation of this Article shall be sanctioned in accordance with these Statutes.

    ARTICLE 59. COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORTS

    1. AFC recognizes the independent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with headquarters inLausanne (Switzerland) to resolve disputes between the AFC and the other confederations,Members, Leagues, Clubs, Players, Officials and licensed match agents and players agents.

    2. The provisions of the CAS Code of Sports related Arbitration shall apply to the CASproceedings. AFC Statutes, Codes, Rules, Regulations, Instructions and Decision as well asthe law of Malaysia shall be applied where relevant.

    3. Recourse may only be made to CAS after all other internal channels have been exhausted.4. All decisions taken by CAS shall be deemed to be final and binding upon all parties.ARTICLE 60. JURISDICTION OF CAS AS AN ORDINARY COURT OF

    ARBITRATION

    CAS shall have jurisdiction, to the exclusion of any ordinary court or any other court of

    arbitration, to deal with the following disputes in its capacity as an ordinary court of arbitration:

    a) Disputes between the AFC and Member Associations, Leagues, Clubs, Players and

    Officials;

    b) Disputes between Member Associations, Leagues, Clubs, Players and Officials

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    32/50

    32

    ARTICLE 61. JURISDICTION OF CAS AS AN APPEALS ARBITRATION BODY

    1. As Appeals Arbitration Body, CAS shall be entitled to hear appeals against final decisionspassed by the AFC and against decisions passed by Member Associations or Leagues.

    2. The appeal shall be lodged with CAS within 21 days of notification of the decision inquestion.

    3. The appeal shall not have a suspensive effect. The appropriate AFC bodies, or alternatively,

    CAS may order the appeal to have a suspensive effect.

    4. CAS, however, does not deal with appeals arising from:

    a) violation of the Laws of the Game;

    b) suspensions of up to four matches or up to three months (with the exception of doping

    decision);

    c) decisions against which an appeal to an independent and duly constituted arbitration

    tribunal recognized under the rules of the Member Association may be made.

    5. Only parties directly affected by a decision may appeal to CAS. However, wheredoping-related decisions are concerned, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) andFIFA may appeal to CAS in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of these

    organizations.

    ARTICLE 62. FINANCES

    1. The financial period of the AFC shall be one (1) year and shall commence on 1st

    January ofeach year.

    2. The revenue and expenses of the AFC shall be responsibly managed, including where

    appropriate the creation of reserves.

    3. The General Secretary is responsible for drawing up the annual consolidated accounts ofthe AFC with its subsidiaries as of 31 December every year.

    ARTICLE 63. REVENUE

    The revenue of the AFC arises specifically from:

    a) Member Associations annual subscriptions:

    b) receipts generated by the marketing of rights to which the AFC is entitled;

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    33/50

    33

    c) fines imposed by the authorised bodies;

    d) other subscriptions and receipts in keeping with the objectives pursued by the AFC.

    ARTICLE 64. EXPENSES

    AFC bears:

    a) the expenses stipulated in the budget;

    b) other expenses approved by the Congress and expenses that the Executive Committee is

    entitled to incur within the scope of its authority;

    c) all other expenses in keeping with the objectives pursued by the AFC.

    ARTICLE 65. EXTERNAL AUDITORS

    1. The Internal Audit Committee shall recommend a firm of independent External Auditors for aTerm of four (4) years for approval by the Congress.

    2. The External Auditors shall examine and certify the accounts before the same is presented to

    the Executive Committee and the Congress.

    3. The External Auditors Report shall be submitted to the Executive Committee, Congress andthe Internal Audit Committee

    ARTICLE 66. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

    1. Each Member Association shall pay a standard annual subscription due by 1 st January ofeach calendar year. The annual subscription for new Member Associations, including theProvisional and Associate Members, for the year in question shall be paid within 30 days of

    the close of the Congress at which they were admitted.

    2. The Congress shall fix the amount of annual subscription every two years on therecommendation of the Executive Committee. It shall be the same for every Member

    Association and amount to no more than 500 USD .

    ARTICLE 67. SETTLEMENT

    AFC may debit any Members accounts to settle claims.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    34/50

    34

    ARTICLE 68. LEVIES

    Every Member Association shall pay a levy to the AFC in respect of international A mens

    matches. Matches played as part of the Olympic Mens Football Tournaments shall also be subject

    to the levy. The levy shall be paid by hosting Member Association whether the match is played inthe country of the Member Association or otherwise.

    ARTICLE 69. COMPETITIONS

    1. AFC shall have the sole jurisdiction to organise or sanction international competitions in Asiain which Member Associations and/or their clubs participate. FIFA competitions shall not beaffected by this Article.

    2. AFC organises and coordinates the following official competitions held within Asia:a) for representative teams:

    i) FIFA World Cup Qualification for Asia;ii) Olympic Games Qualification for Asia;iii) AFC Asian Cup;

    iv) AFC Challenge Cup;v) AFC Under 22 Championship;vi) AFC Under 19 Championship;

    vii) AFC Under 16 Championship;viii) AFC Womens Championship;

    ix) AFC Womens Challenge Cup;x) AFC Womens U19 Championship;

    xi) AFC Womens U16 Championship;xiii) AFC Futsal Championship.

    b) for club teamsi) AFC Champions League;

    ii) AFC Cup;iii) AFC Presidents Cup;iv) AFC Womens Club Championship;

    v) AFC Futsal Club Championship.

    3. The Executive Committee may delegate to AFCs Member Associations the authority toorganise competitions.

    4. The Executive Committee of AFC shall set up regulations governing the conditions ofparticipation in and the staging of AFC competitions.

    5. By the act of entering its team to a competitions organised by the AFC, each MemberAssociation and/or Club affiliated to a Member Association agrees to comply with theStatutes, Rules and Regulations and decisions of AFC and FIFA, and their bodies.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    35/50

    35

    6. The admission to an AFC competition of a Member Association or Club directly orindirectly involved in any activity aimed at arranging or influencing the outcome of a match

    at national or international level can be refused with immediate effect, without prejudice toany possible disciplinary measures.

    ARTICLE 70. CLUBS LICENSING

    The Executive Committee shall define a club licensing system governing :

    a) The minimum criteria to be fulfilled by clubs in order to be admitted to AFCcompetitions;

    b) The licensing process (including the minimum requirements for the licensing bodies);c) The minimum requirements to be observed by the licensors.

    ARTICLE 71. RIGHTS

    1. AFC and its Member Associations are respectively the original owners of all of the rightsemanating from competitions and other events coming under their respective jurisdiction,

    without any restrictions as to content, time, place and law. These rights include, among others,every kind of financial rights, audiovisual and radio recording, reproduction and broadcasting

    rights, multimedia rights, marketing and promotional rights and incorporeal rights such asemblems and rights arising under copyright law.

    2. The Executive Committee shall decide how and to what extent the AFC rights are utilised anddraw up special regulations to this end. The Executive Committee shall alone decide whetherthe AFC rights shall be utilised exclusively, or jointly with a third party or entirely through athird party.

    ARTICLE 72. AUTHORISATION

    AFC and its Member Associations are exclusively responsible for authorising the distribution ofimage and sound and other data carriers of football matches and events coming under their

    respective jurisdiction, without any restrictions as to content, time, place and technical and legalaspects.

    ARTICLE 73. INTERNATIONAL MATCHES AND COMPETITIONS

    1. The authorisation and organisation of international matches and competitions betweenNational Association teams and between Leagues and/or Club teams in Asia shall be inaccordance with FIFA Statutes and Regulations.

    2. The Executive Committee shall compile an AFC Competitions Calendar that shall be bindingupon Members and Leagues.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    36/50

    36

    3. AFC is bound to comply with the International match calendar compiled by FIFA.

    ARTICLE 74. APPROVAL

    Member Associations cannot belong to another confederation or participate in competitions on theterritory of another confederation without the authorisation of the AFC and the other confederation

    and of FIFA.

    ARTICLE 75. MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

    The Executive Committee shall have the final decision on any matter not provided for in these

    Statutes or in cases of force majeure.

    ARTICLE 76. DISSOLUTION

    AFC may be dissolved by a resolution to that effect passed by not less than three-fourths (3/4) ofthe Member Associations eligible to vote.

    Upon the dissolution of the AFC, all its funds and assets shall be entrusted to the appropriate

    authority of the country of the General Secretariat until such time the AFC is re-established.

    ARTICLE 77. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

    1. All of the Executive Committee members elected at the AFC 22nd Congress in 2007 shallserve a four- year term (2007 2011) at which time the term provided in Article 31.7 shallapply.

    2. The provisions in this Article 77.2 shall cover the elections of the Female Vice-Presidentand the three Female members of the Executive Committee until the 26

    thAFC Congress in

    2015 at which time the term provided in Article 31.7 shall apply.

    2.1 The Female Vice-President and the two Female members of the Executive Committeeelected at the AFC 23

    rdCongress in 2009 shall serve a four (4) year term ( 2009-2013):

    2.2 One Female member of the Executive Committee shall be elected at the AFC 24thCongress in 2011 to serve a four (4) year term. (2011-2015).

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    37/50

    37

    2.3 The Female Vice President and the two Female members elected at the 25 th AFCCongress in 2013 shall serve a two (2) year term (2013-2015).

    3. The provisions in this Article 77.3 shall cover the elections of the three (3)

    FIFA Executive Committee positions referenced in Article 31.1.e. until the 26th

    AFC

    Congress in 2015, at which time the term provided in Article 31.7 shall apply.

    3.1 Except as otherwise provided by Article 77.3.2, the person elected as AFC President at

    the 24th

    AFC Congress in 2011 shall automatically succeed to one of the two (2) FIFAExecutive Committee positions which are to be elected in 2011 for a four (4) year term

    (2011-2015), and an election shall be held to fill the one (1) remaining FIFA ExecutiveCommittee position, which shall be for a term of four (4) years (2011-2015).

    3.2 In the event that the person elected as AFC President in 2011 is already a member ofthe FIFA Executive Committee for the term 2009-2013, this Article 77.3.1 shall not

    apply and an election shall be held to fill the two (2) FIFA Executive Committee

    positions (2011-2015).

    3.3 Except as otherwise provided by Article 77.3.4, in the event the person elected as AFC

    President at the 24th

    AFC Congress in 2011 is also elected as a FIFA Vice President forthe term 2011-2015, then the newly elected AFC President shall not automaticallysucceed to one of the two (2) FIFA Executive Committee positions which are to be

    elected in 2011 for a four (4) year term (2011-2015), but shall serve as FIFA VicePresident for a four (4) year term (2011-2015) and an election shall be held to fill the

    two (2) remaining FIFA Executive Committee positions, both of which positions shallbe for a term of four (4) years (2011-2015).

    3.4 In the event the person who is elected as AFC President and FIFA Vice President in

    2011 is also a member of the FIFA Executive Committee for the term 2009-2013, heshall no longer exercise his official function in that FIFA Executive Committee

    position (2009 2013). An election shall be held to fill the three (3) FIFA ExecutiveCommittee positions. The two highest vote-getters shall be elected to a four (4) yearterm (2011-2015), while the third highest vote-getter shall be elected to a two (2) year

    term (2011-2013).

    3.5 In any event, an election shall be held at the 25th

    AFC Congress in 2013 for the FIFAExecutive Committee position that expires in 2013.

    4 The person elected as AFC President at the 26th

    AFC Congress in 2015 or any

    Congress thereafter shall, unless he is also elected as FIFA Vice-President,automatically succeed to a FIFA Executive Committee position for a term aligned asclosely as possible (under prevailing statutes) with his AFC Presidency.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    38/50

    38

    ARTICLE 78. ADOPTION OF STATUTES

    These Statutes were adopted by the AFC Extraordinary Congress on 8 June 2010 in Johannesburg.They supersede all previous texts and come into force on 8 July 2010 as laid down in Article 30.

    On behalf of the AFC Extraordinary Congress 2010

    Mohamed bin Hammam Alex Soosay

    President General Secretary

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    39/50

    39

    REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE AFC STATUTES

    ARTICLE 1. APPLICATION FOR AFFILIATION TO AFC

    1. Any National Association wishing to become affiliated to the AFC shall apply to the AFC.The Executive Committee of the AFC may consider granting Provisional or AssociateMembership.

    2. The Executive Committee may grant Provisional Membership to the applicant National

    Association for a period of at leasttwo (2) years. Once the two (2) years have elapsed, theMember Association concerned shall supply the AFC with a detailed report on itsorganisation and activities.

    3. Based on this report and the documents mentioned in Article 8.8 of the AFC Statutes, the

    AFC Executive Committee shall decide whether to recommend the National Association

    concerned to the Congress for Ordinary Membership.

    4. The subsequent AFC Congress shall decide whether to grant Ordinary Membership.

    ARTICLE 2 INTERNATIONAL MATCHES

    1. International football matches recognised by the AFC shall be those between two NationalAssociations affiliated to the AFC and/or FIFA for which each National Association fields

    a representative national team.

    2. An international A match shall be a match that has been arranged between two NationalAssociations affiliated to the AFC and/or FIFA and for which both National Associations

    field their first national representative teams.

    3. The terms used to define a match should be those recognised as giving an appropriate

    political and geographical description of the countries or territories within the NationalAssociations whose teams are involved in the match and over which countries or territories

    they have sole control and jurisdiction.

    4. If a National Association allows one of its leagues to choose a team which bears the name ofits country, the match shall be considered an international match as described in the

    aforementioned Article 2(1).

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    40/50

    40

    ARTICLE 3 INTERCLUB, INTERLEAGUE MATCHES

    1. An interclub match shall be a match played between two clubs. Although the clubs maybelong to different National Associations, such a match shall not be recognised as aninternational match (Article 2(1)).

    2. An inter-league match shall be a match played between two leagues. Although the leagues

    may belong to different National Associations, such a match shall not be recognised as aninternational match (Article 2(1)), subject to the provision of Article 2(4) above.

    ARTICLE 4 NOTIFICATION

    1. Every international A match (Article 2(2)) including friendly matches between teams

    from within the AFC shall be made known to AFCs general secretariat by the MemberAssociation organizing them at least seven (7) days before the matches are held.

    2. Every international A match (Article 2(2)) including friendly matches involving teamsfrom other confederations shall be made known to AFCs General Secretariat by theMember Association organising them at least fourteen (14) days before the matches are held.

    3. Failure to give notification of a match within this prescribed period shall incur a fine of

    USD1,000 to be paid to the AFC. Failure to provide any notification whatsoever shall incura fine of USD2,000. These fines shall be paid within 10 days of receipt of AFCs decision.

    ARTICLE 5 REPORT

    1. The Secretary of the Member Association on whose territory the match or the tournament is

    being played shall, within two (2) days of each match, notify the AFC of the result of thematch, the surname and first name of the referee, assistant referees and fourth official whoofficiated and the surname, first name and status of the players and substitutes of each team,

    using the official form for this purpose. This form shall be duly filled and signed.

    2. If the aforementioned form is sent in belatedly, a fine of USD100 shall be paid to the AFC.If the form is not sent at all, the amount of the fine due shall be USD1,000, payable within

    ten (10) days of receipt of AFCs decision. In case of repetition, the amount of the fine maybe increased by the Executive Committee.

    ARTICLE 6 REGISTRATION

    1. Every international A match (cf.Article 2(2)) shall be recorded with its results on anofficial list kept up to date by AFC.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    41/50

    41

    2. Such a match shall, however, not be registered on the official list of international matchesinvolving two National Associations if either of the National Associations informs the

    AFC and the other National Association to this effect at least 48 hours before the matchtakes place. The levy due to the AFC for international A matches in accordance with

    Article 68 of the AFC Statutes must still be paid in such a case.

    ARTICLE 7. AUTHORISATION.

    1. No interclub or interleague matches between teams from different National Associationsshall be played without the express authorisation of the National Associations concerned.The Member Associations shall include a provision in their regulations stipulating at what

    point of time the clubs are required to seek authorisation and in addition the sanctions to beimposed if this rule is breached.

    2. A National Association shall inform the National Association concerned of every matchwhich it knows has been arranged and played in their area of jurisdiction and for whichpermission was either not sought or given.

    3. Scratch teams consisting of players not belonging to the same club or National Associationshall not be permitted to play clubs or teams representing National Associations unless

    approval has been granted by the National Associations concerned, the AFC and theopposing team. If the players belong to clubs or member associations from different

    confederations, the authorisation of FIFA is required.

    ARTICLE 8. FINAL COMPETITIONS

    1. Final competitions of all AFC tournaments shall be hosted on a rotational basis betweentwo zones, namely the East (which comprises of East & ASEAN) and West (which

    comprises of South & Central, and West)

    2. If a zone that is next in line to host a tournament declines or fails to satisfy the AFC hosting

    requirements, standards and infrastructure, the Executive Committee shall then choose theother Zone as the replacement Zone to be given the right to host the tournament.

    Article 8 shall not apply to the following tournaments:-

    (i) AFC Asian Cup(ii) All Womens Competitions(iii) AFC Champions League(iv) AFC Cup(v) AFC Challenge Cup(vi) AFC Presidents Cup

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    42/50

    42

    ARTICLE 9.TOURNAMENTS

    1. All tournaments held in the territory of Member Association involving more than two (2)local or national teams (clubs or representative teams), which belong to different Member

    Associations must be approved by the AFC. If any of the teams involved belong to different

    confederations, the authorisation of FIFA is required.

    2. The request for approval shall be submitted by the Member Association in whose country

    the tournament is planned at least sixty (60) days before the commencement of theTournament.

    3. The request for approval shall be accompanied by a list of the teams who are planning totake part in the tournament and the tournament regulations drawn up by the organising

    Member Association.

    4. If a tournament is played in a territory of a Member Association without prior permission,

    the Member Association in question shall be fined an amount of at least USD10,000 by AFCand may be subject to more serious sanctions in the event of other violations (such as theparticipation of a team from a Member Association which has been suspended).

    5. Member Associations shall only organise tournaments of this nature once in two (2) years;unless special permission has been obtained from the Executive Committee.

    ARTICLE 10.LEVIES

    1. All international A mens matches, matches played as part of the Olympic Mens FootballTournament and interclub matches must have gate receipts except in exceptional cases for

    which AFCs approval must be sought in advance.

    2. The levy to be paid to AFC for each match played between two national A mens teams,including matches played in tournaments or in games including football, and matchesplayed as part of the Olympic Mens Football Tournament (cf.Article 68 of the AFC

    Statutes), shall amount to three percent (3%).

    3. The amount shall be based on the gross receipts (tickets sales, advertising rights fortelevision and radio broadcasts, and film and video rights, etc) derived from matches subject

    to levies.

    4. The only deductions that shall be made from the gross income are state or local taxesactually paid (but not bank charges or differences in exchange rates) and any charges for thehire of the stadium. The amount of deductions shall not exceed thirty (30%) percent of the

    entire gross income.

    5. Levies payable to FIFA are governed by Article 10 of the FIFA Regulations Governing theApplication of the Statutes.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    43/50

    43

    6. If the two National A mens teams or Olympic Mens Football teams are from different

    confederations (except Asia), the levy payable shall be two percent (2%) to the AFC andhalf a percent (%) directly to each of the two confederations.

    7. If only one team is from another confederation, the levy payable shall be two and a half (2%) to the AFC and half a percent (%) directly to the confederation concerned.

    ARTICLE 11 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

    1. For each match subject to a levy, a detailed statement of account shall be drawn up by thehosting Member Association.

    2. This statement shall contain all the requisite figures reflecting the entire income and anytaxes or charges deducted there from (cf. Article 10 (3) and (4)).

    3.

    The statement of account and the amount due from the levy shall be sent to the AFC withinsixty (60) days of the date the match was held.

    4. Failure to conform to these requirements may result in the Member Association beingsanctioned in the forms of warning, fine and suspension.

    ARTICLE 12 MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION

    Whatever the financial outcome of the match, the minimum contribution to be paid to the AFC isUSD500 (US Dollars five hundred only) .

    ARTICLE 13 SPECIAL PROVISIONS

    Any person receiving remuneration by virtue of a contract from a Member Association or one of

    its clubs shall not be entitled to accept work in return for remuneration with another NationalAssociation at the same time.

    ARTICLE 14 MATCH AGENTS AND PLAYERS AGENTS

    1. The employment of agents or intermediaries in the arrangement of matches shall bepermitted.

    2. Agents or intermediaries who arrange matches between teams from within the AFC mustbe officially recognised by FIFA.

    3. Agents or intermediaries who arrange matches between teams belonging to different

    confederations must possess a FIFA agents license.

  • 8/3/2019 Afc Statutes 20100709

    44/50

    44

    4. The AFC shall be entitled to intervene to enforce the agreements concluded betweenagents or intermediaries and teams with which they are contractually bound only in the

    following cases:-

    (a)if the match or tournament at the source of the dispute involves teams from

    different Member Associations;(b)if the agent or intermediary in question holds a FIFA licence.

    5. Players may use the services of agents to negotiate transfers. Only players agents inpossession of a license issued in accordance with FIFA players agent regulation may carry

    out this work.

    ARTICLE 15. ELIGIBILITY TO PLAY FOR ASSOCIATION TEAMS

    Players eligibility to play for representative teams of Member Association teams shall be

    governed in accordance with FIFA statutes and regulations.

    ARTICLE 16. PRINCIPLE OF PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

    1. A clubs